Veteran Football Coach John Holecek Returns to Lead Loyola Academy Ramblers

Holecek to resume head coaching role, with Beau Desherow as assistant head coach and general manager

Apr. 16, 2026 at 7:34pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a high school football game, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue, maroon, and white, conceptually representing the transition of leadership in the Loyola Academy football program.Loyola Academy's football program undergoes a dynamic leadership transition, blending veteran expertise and recent success to chart a new course for the Ramblers.Chicago Today

John Holecek, who previously led the Loyola Academy football team from 2006 to 2022, will return as the Ramblers' head coach for the 2026-27 season. Beau Desherow, who has been the head coach for the past three seasons, will take on the role of assistant head coach and general manager of the football program.

Why it matters

Holecek's return to the Loyola Academy football program is significant, as he has a long and successful history with the team, leading them to seven IHSA 8A State Finals and three championships during his previous 17-year tenure. The school is excited to have two experienced and dedicated leaders guiding the program.

The details

Holecek will resume his role as head coach, while Desherow, a Loyola Academy graduate and former assistant coach, will take on the new position of assistant head coach and general manager. Desherow has led the Ramblers to a 30-7 record over the past three seasons, including back-to-back IHSA 8A State Championship appearances in 2023 and 2024.

  • Holecek led the Loyola Academy football team from 2006 to 2022.
  • Desherow has been the head coach for the past three seasons, from 2023 to 2025.
  • Holecek will return as head coach for the 2026-27 season.

The players

John Holecek

A veteran football coach who previously led the Loyola Academy Ramblers from 2006 to 2022, during which time the team achieved seven IHSA 8A State Finals and three championships.

Beau Desherow

A 1993 graduate of Loyola Academy who has been the head coach of the varsity football team for the past three seasons, leading the Ramblers to a 30-7 record and back-to-back IHSA 8A State Championship appearances.

Genevieve Atwood

The vice president for athletics at Loyola Academy, who described Holecek as a "transformative leader" and praised his dedication to developing student-athletes.

Rev. Gregory J. Ostdiek, SJ

The president of Loyola Academy, who expressed excitement about the "remarkable duo" of Holecek and Desherow leading the football program.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“He's a transformative leader, not only as a coach on the field, in the game, and how he coaches, but just in the way he elevates everyone around him.”

— Genevieve Atwood, Vice President for Athletics, Loyola Academy

“He's extremely focused on using football as a classroom to develop young men into the best people they can possibly be.”

— Genevieve Atwood, Vice President for Athletics, Loyola Academy

“This program has always meant a great deal to me, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to step back into this role.”

— John Holecek

“Working alongside Beau and our staff, we're focused on continuing to raise the standard and creating an environment where our students can grow, compete, and thrive.”

— John Holecek

“I'm thrilled about this opportunity and the commitment Loyola Academy is showing the football program. John and I have an excellent working relationship dating back nearly 20 years, and I am looking forward to partnering with him to take LA Football to the next level.”

— Beau Desherow

What’s next

The Ramblers' 2026-27 season will officially kick off on August 5, but the team will begin conditioning in June.

The takeaway

Loyola Academy's decision to bring back veteran coach John Holecek, while maintaining the leadership of Beau Desherow, demonstrates the school's commitment to excellence and continuity in its football program. The combination of Holecek's experience and Desherow's recent success is expected to propel the Ramblers to even greater heights in the coming seasons.